The measurement of the size of an atom is its atomic radius. Which statement describes one reason why atoms of different elements have different atomic radii?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which statement provides a reason for the differences in atomic radii among different elements, specifically focusing on the charges within an atom's nucleus and their interactions.
Answer
The positive charge of an atom’s nucleus pulls the negatively charged particles outside the nucleus with different amounts of force for each type of atom.
The positive charge of an atom’s nucleus pulls the negatively charged particles outside the nucleus with different amounts of force for each type of atom.
Answer for screen readers
The positive charge of an atom’s nucleus pulls the negatively charged particles outside the nucleus with different amounts of force for each type of atom.
More Information
As the nuclear charge increases across a period, electrons are pulled closer to the nucleus, resulting in a smaller atomic radius. Down a group, increased electron shells mean the radius is larger.
Tips
Remember that nuclear charge pulls electrons closer, decreasing radius across a period. Down a group, more electron shells increase the radius.
Sources
- Periodic Trends- Atomic Radius - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Atomic and ionic radii (video) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
